A Dance of Ribbons III

"Do not give them your name, do not give them your hand, leave your horseshoes above your doors, and pray you are forgotten…"

The people of the Dance endure. Though much was lost in the Plagues of Abundance, the bonds of fellowship and compassion were not broken. Those with no home were welcomed to the hearth, and those who forgave a tricking god were protected. But the veil is torn, and the mouth opens. Now, on this auspicious year, the seasons and stars have aligned; The Dance of Ribbons will be held on Reaper’s Eve, when Ioites celebrate the welcoming of the light. But a strange song is on the wind; these lands, these peoples of Vicaria and Garmont will be tested again. Are they strong enough to dance to the oldest tune?

Welcome to A Dance of Ribbons III, the immersive LARP from Come Close & Listen. 

Running from October 31st to November 3rd 2025, and only an hour away from the centre of Melbourne in Warrandyte; A Dance of Ribbons III promises to be a wild weekend of adventure. Play a character you’ve crafted with your factional group, create narratives that respond to your ideas and immersed in a world designed by theatre makers, role players and game designers.

A Dance of Ribbons III is a love letter to those role players who love intricate stories, deep narratives and embodying characters with love and care.

All tickets include:

• Access to the four workshops
• The event itself, running October 31st to November 3rd 2025 in Warrandyte 
• Fully catered event
• Access to your factional channels on Discord
• Access to your personalised player profile on our website

Payment Plan

If you require a payment plan for the Player Tickets enter the code PAYMENTPLAN at checkout

This will give you access to a $50 Ticket.

You then will transfer monthly installments directly to Come Close and Listen (to avoid further booking fees)

Payment 2 - $60. Due on the 7th of April
Payment 3 - $60. Due on the 5th of May
Payment 4 - $60. Due on the 9th of June
Payment 5 - $60. Due on the 7th of July
Payment 6 - $60. Due on the 11th of August
Payment 7 - $60. Due on the 1st of September
Payment 8 - $40. Due on the 28th of September

Reviews: 

“One of the best experiences I’ve ever had LARPing”

“I think this has given me the biggest immersion of world and community in a game that I have ever played”

“It was so much more than I could have ever hoped for….This community, devs included, exuded such an aura of safety and friendliness it’s been so overwhelming (in a good way) both over the weekend and ever since.”

“It was more cunning than I expected, in how the workshops ultimately folded into the narrative to create some beautiful, unique, artistic moments that Australian Larps have never before seen on a scale this huge”

Setting

A Dance of Ribbons is built up of two cultures attending their annual festival. Those from Vicaria and those from Garmont.

Vicaria, the Children of the Fey, the first born, the waiting. Found in the expanding lands of pasture, mountains, and bogs, the Vicarians are a hardy group of tight-knit clans. (Think celtic, pre-christian pagans)

Garmont is a land of rolling hills, golden fields, and the breadbasket of the Middlemark. The common people of Garmont enjoy a provincial life, with long nights of leisure punctuated by hard days of working the land. In contrast, the nobles – knights, scholars, and Lades – spend their days attending to their holdings and reaping the benefits. (Think renaissance Europe)

Vicarian Factions:

Dunmoore: Dunmoore, the lords of rock and stone, thrive on their mines and hoarded riches. The oldest Clan in Vicaria they pride themselves on being the bastion that stands against Garmontian ambition. Proud, ambitious, traditional and stoic, Dunmoorians hold their heads high as the most level headed of the clans. Their coffers are rich with abundance, now that they dig with the knowledge that the ancient ancestors are imminent in returning. Yet, will their efforts be enough to satisfy the furnaces of industry when a shadow lingers across their dreams?

You want to be in this faction because:

• Although you’ll be human, the vibe is very much Tolkien’s Dwarves.
• Gold, gems and metals, oh my!
• You’re the oldest Vicarian clan, and your city is literally carved into a Mountain.
• Powerful and influential without being a Garmontian snob

Hathwoad: Believing themselves to be the Fey’s eldest children, the nomadic forest-dwelling Hathwoads see the neighbouring lands of Garmont as their spiritual inheritance, relying on cunning raids for much of their sustenance. After a series of cultural scandals, including accusations of heretical blood rituals conducted by their late Woden, the wild Hathwoad clan is in desperate need of a new Kelda and Woad to light their path forward. Will this change in leadership be enough to reintegrate Hathwoad with their Vicarian brothers and sisters, or instill further occult fanaticism?

You want to be in this faction because:

• The most spiritual of the clans, deeply connected to the gods and land
• The chosen ones of the Fey
• Do a lot of freaky mystical stuff
• Honestly a big slay in general
• Connected with Vaud - a good ally to have

Silkern: Those hailing from Silkern are often intrepid and curious folk. Lovers of stories and songs, they are seekers of knowledge and adventure; many will travel to neighbouring regions in pursuit of a good story. In recent years, the youngest of the Vicarian clans opened its arms to the Clanless and engaged in rigorous trade with Garmont - their once humble, coastal settlement now a bustling tradeport. Will the young clan assert itself as a cultural and economic beacon in the Middlemark? Or will they collapse under the weight of their own ambition?

You want to be in this faction because:

• Idealistic and hopeful
• Cosmopolitan - you get along well with all cultures
• Good-natured pirate vibes. Practise your sea shanties!

Garmontian Factions:

Gottenburg: The Canton which seats the High Ruler of Garmont. Schemers, politicians, spies and poisoners. Gottenburg maintain power due to their kindness but also their cunning. Heresy and the occult have slowly seeped into Garmontian culture due to the events of recent Dances, consequentially The Inquisition have cemented themselves within the High Ruler’s court. An uncomfortable presence for some, but an undoubtedly mighty ally.

You want to be in this faction because:

• Power-brokering and secret alliances
• Your Lade is the High Ruler - this comes with certain advantages
• Gottenburg are cultured
• You get to wear red - it’s giving opulence and power

Straussland: It is said you can spot a Strauss a mile away: just look for the hat. The Strauss hold themselves in high regard, swathed in the Middlemark’s richest purple silks. Io has blessed them in an abundance of golden wheat and wine. All of these luxuries come with a price, and not all Strauss are born equal. Beyond the pomp and circumstance is a delicate class balance. Those beneath the shiny boot are waiting like a powder keg for the spark. The effects of The Slowing Plague hang heavy over Straussland and Lade Guillaume has much to answer for to their people. Can they continue to rule whilst elbow deep in the pockets of Francia?

You want to be in this faction because:

• It’s fun to be rich and pompous.
• You live in a society that is inventing a new cult
• The power-plays of the Strauss are often the centre of attention.

Vaud: Vaudians are intensely independent, cautious, and community minded. Hunters, survivalists and leaders are highly valued, and they band together against outsiders across class lines. Vaud has had a tumultuous few years: their Lade was assassinated, their new Lade turned to heretical beliefs, and they were beset by the hunting plague. However new trade contracts serve to rebuild their lost wealth. Will they reaffirm their faith in Io, or turn their back on their Garmontian cousins?

You want to be in this faction because:

• Down-to-earth
• Your Lade is getting into paganism. You’d have strong feelings for or against this.
• Rugged, strong and courageous
• Trusted by both Vicarians and Garmontians

FAQ
I’m facing financial difficulties, what options are there for me?
We understand that for some, finances are a barrier. All players are able to purchase their ticket under our payment plan. Use the code PAYMENTPLAN at checkout.

What if I can't make some/all of the workshops?
Not to fear! We are making online packages for all the details we'll covered in the workshops. This means that if you miss one or can't make any, you'll still be getting the information to use as you wish! This includes videos and text.

What do I need to bring?
It's a camping weekend, so make sure you have a tent and some basic supplies; sleeping bag etc. But we cover all your food from Saturday and there are up to date showers and facilities on site!

I've never LARPed before is this for me?
Absolutely it is! We've designed this game to be as friendly to newcomers as possible. We want this game to be inclusive of skills, abilities and confidence levels of all people. 60% of our players last year had never LARPed before!

Do I need a costume?
You will, but you don't need to worry about looking like a Lord of the Rings extra. We have made a Kit & Costume Guide on how to make yourself look the part for a low budget. A pair of fishermen pants, some op shopping and a linen shirt does wonders. (Updated Kit and Costume Guide will appear on our web update in May)

Is there much combat?
The LARP is designed around social engagement rather than battles. There might be some action, but our methods of conflict resolution lie mostly away from the sword. Finally, if you really do not wish to be in ANY combat, you can opt out with our consent system.

I don't know which faction to pick?! Heeelp!
No matter what faction you pick, you'll have a great time! You can read the brief faction outlines above, but remember culture is fluid and created collaboratively.

What is your refund policy?
Tickets can be fully refunded automatically through Humanitix up to 30 days before the event starts. After that point only a partial refund of 50% will be possible, in light of the cost of food and site hire. If you cancel within fourteen days of the event, we will unfortunately not be able to refund your ticket.

I have another question that's not listed here, how can I get in touch?
You can reach out to us with any questions you may have at contact@comeandlisten.com.au or by messaging us on one of our socials @danceofribbons.

Notes on Access

At A Dance of Ribbons, we approach Access with the understanding that people move through the world with diverse needs and that our spaces should not include additional barriers to entry.

We work with the Social Model of Disability, which views disability as socially constructed. According to the model, disability arises from environments filled with physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers.

While some factors—such as the natural terrain of our site—are beyond our control, we are committed to minimising barriers wherever possible.

Our Access Strategy

2024 Initiatives

Last year, our access strategy included:

• Access Guides for workshops and the event,
• A dedicated Relaxed Space onsite, staffed by our Access Support Team
• Cabins for people with access needs, a range of catering options to address dietary needs or sensory sensitivities.

Expanding in 2025

For 2025, we are building on this foundation by introducing:

• Establishing an Access Advisory Group so players can work with us to shape their access experience
• A Disability Inclusion Action Plan, created by the team and the Access Advisory Group, which will highlight the key issues to address in this iteration of A Dance of Ribbons
• Introducing Social Stories for our workshops and events
• Capturing access requirements at the ticket point of purchase via Access Riders

While we take proactive steps to create an inclusive space, we recognise that you are the expert in your own experience. We encourage players and staff to reach out to us directly so we can offer tailored support.

Check out the Abridged Access Guide on our website to see what we’re already addressing.

Have questions or feedback? Email us at contact@comeandlisten.com.

Want to shape accessibility at A Dance of Ribbons? Join our Access Advisory Group!

Content Warnings

Note: This is a horror LARP.
While A Dance of Ribbons is responsive to player actions, the following themes and warnings are inherent to our dramaturgical pallet or have a high likelihood of occurring:

Supernatural Horror themes, Folk Horror, Lovecraftian Horror, Medieval cultural perspectives, Ritual Community and Culture, Negotiation, Dynamic Relationships, Faith and Spirituality, Magic, Collaboration, Conflict, Loss, Letting Go, Release, Sacrifice, Possession/loss of agency, Depictions of gore, Moments of intense sound design, Changing lighting states, Periods of unabated tension, Distressing moralistic choices.